Understanding the differences between traditional full spectrum CBD products and the newer Delta 9 THC products taking the CBD market by storm.


Sponsored by cbdMD


You’re likely familiar with full spectrum CBD products as a way to get small amounts of THC with your daily CBD intake.

But with the rise in popularity of Delta 9 THC-specific products, you may wonder which is better for you to use. Both can be beneficial for users but differ in terms of benefits, applications, and usage.

Let’s find out more.

Article Image 2

What Are Full Spectrum CBD products?

Full spectrum products are specialized CBD products that include up to 0.3% THC by dry weight of the final product, as mandated by federal regulations detailed in the 2018 Farm Bill.

Full spectrum CBD+THC products have a wider plant profile of the hemp variety of Cannabis sativa plants, hence the term “full spectrum.” With a wider selection of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids from all parts of the hemp plants, these specialized CBD solutions bring a more well-rounded biological response.

This entourage effect, as it’s termed, is highly sought after by cannabis enthusiasts, especially those who want the effects of THC to be more healthy and less intoxicating. For others, the added calm and improved sleep are favored benefits.

Full Spectrum Benefits

  • Provides greater wellness benefits from using a wider plant profile.
  • Provides entourage effect – improved balance and homeostasis across a variety of biological functions.
  • Improved sleep.
  • More balanced mood.
  • Greater feeling of calmness.
  • Some feel it improves their cognitive performance.
  • Popular among athletes and health enthusiasts as a boost for muscle recovery.

Full spectrum products come in a variety of forms like full spectrum CBD gummies, tinctures, and softgel capsules to make it easier to create the perfect CBD daily regimen for the user. These forms are popular choices that are easy to use regularly and get the body to that perfect balance, thus improving or supporting a wide variety of bodily functions.

Article Image

What Are Delta 9 THC Products?

Delta 9 THC products are also CBD products, but the formulations are focused on the more potent Delta 9 THC.

Delta 9 THC, while included in most full spectrum selections, brings more wellness benefits in and of itself. For some users, these targeted benefits are more desirable.

Rather than replacing full spectrum with Delta 9, for example, users may keep their full spectrum benefits, using their product of choice regularly each day, and use the more potent Delta 9 products during the times when they need more calming effects, for example.

Delta 9 Benefits

  • Delivers higher-potency THC for enhanced wellness benefits.
  • Provides the ultimate calming effects.
  • Best sleep benefits for CBD products.
  • Provides more THC help for athletic recovery.

One of the most popular products are Delta 9 THC gummies, which gives the user great control over how much THC they want to consume. Use as directed on the product label, as these are more potent in terms of THC strength (10 mg per serving).

Start low and slow to determine how your body responds before you try popping a full gummy!

How Full Spectrum CBD Compares with Delta 9

Both products may be used regularly, but full spectrum products are often used on a day-to-day basis while Delta 9 products are used more specifically to help you relax and get better sleep at night.

But of course, everyone uses them differently! Some may use Delta 9 to help them feel calm, cool, and collected before going into a big meeting. It all depends on you and your preference! That’s the great thing about plant-based products, you can use them as needed.

Both types of products are 2018 Farm Bill compliant (for reputable sources, of course), but the Delta 9 products utilize the superior potency of Delta 9 (rather than the less potent and often synthetic Delta 8, for example).

Though THC is psychoactive and has the potential to make you high, these products are not designed with that intention. Users who are THC-sensitive, however, may find the Delta 9 products to be too strong.

These same users may, however, find the full spectrum products to work quite well. When used properly and at the right concentrations, both of these types of CBD products will provide a variety of beneficial health and wellness perks.

The Delta 9 Microdose Option

Another way to gain full-plant benefits for your daily life is with Delta 9 microdose capsules. These are something of a hybrid between Delta 9 and full spectrum CBD products.

Each capsule contains only 10 mg of hemp extract, because it’s meant to be taken more frequently than full spectrum capsules – once every four to six hours. The extract is higher in Delta 9 than the full spectrum formula is, however, so you can maintain a higher (but still non-intoxicating) level of THC in your system.

Think of it as a whole crew of happy hemp-based helpers working within your body to keep you feeling supported and strong all day long!

Do You Need to Replace Your Full Spectrum Products with Delta 9?

Not necessarily. Each type of product performs a slightly different function.

Full spectrum products provide everyday wellness benefits for your whole body. Delta 9 gummies are for your downtime, when you want to relax and get better sleep. And Delta 9 microdosing can help you if you want to maintain a higher level of THC in your body without getting high.

Feel free to experiment with all of them and find out what works best for you!

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.